More STA services if Spokane voters approve sales tax hike

The Spokane Transit Authority will add more services if voters approve a measure to increase the local sales tax on April 28, 2015.

SPOKANE, Wash. -

The Spokane Transit Authority will add more services if voters approve a measure to increase the local sales tax on April 28, 2015.

The money would be used to fund about 25 projects in and around Spokane.

With several park and rides at full capacity, the STA wants to expand or create five new park and ride lots. The STA also wants to extend Saturday night service past 11 p.m.

STA officials said Spokane needs more bus services because in 2014, they had their highest ridership since 1953: 11.3 million rides.

Susan Meyer, Spokane Transit Authority CEO, said ridership continues to grow but they haven't added services in a very long time.

If voters approve, consumers would pay an additional three cents for every $10 spent. STA officials are hoping voters will approve the increase because local sales tax is 70 percent of their funding.

This would be the first time in more than 30 years the STA would see an increase from the effective rate.

"People have told us for years now that they want more transit service," said Meyer. "In fact if it's something that our critics and advocates have in common, it's that they don't think we have enough service. This is the opportunity for the first time in a very long time to implement 25 percent more bus service."

The vote is April 28, and people must register no later than March 30.

For more information on registering to vote, click here: www.sos.wa.gov/elections/myvote

For more information on the STA proposition, click here: www.STAMovingForward.com

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